Hey friends! If you’re looking for a snack that’s crunchy, naturally sweet, and packed with cozy flavors, you’re going to LOVE this Maple Date Granola. It’s one of my favorite things to whip up on a weekend. Not only does it make your kitchen smell like a dream, but it’s also super easy to make with just a few ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a late-night treat!
Method
Preheating the Oven
First things first preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to toast your granola until it’s golden and crispy. While the oven is heating up, go ahead and gather all your ingredients and tools so everything’s ready to go.
Melting the Wet Ingredients
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the vanilla extract, coconut oil, and maple syrup. These ingredients will act as the flavorful glue that brings the granola together. Microwave the mixture for about 30 to 40 seconds, or until the coconut oil has completely melted. Once melted, give it a quick stir to make sure everything is well mixed. This warm and sweet mixture will soon coat your oats and nuts with deliciousness!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the old fashioned rolled oats, chopped walnuts or pecans, and cinnamon powder. Stir them together with a wooden spoon or spatula until the cinnamon is evenly distributed. This dry base forms the hearty crunch of your granola, and the cinnamon gives it a cozy, warm flavor.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the two worlds together! Slowly pour the warm maple syrup mixture over the bowl of dry ingredients. As you pour, use your spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure all the oats and nuts are well coated this helps them toast evenly and stick together in tasty little clusters once baked.
Preparing the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, spread the granola mixture evenly across the sheet in a single layer. Try to keep it as flat as possible so that it bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Baking the Granola
Place your prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. About 20 minutes into baking, carefully take the tray out and give the granola a gentle stir. This step is really important it keeps the granola from burning and helps all the pieces crisp up evenly. After stirring, spread it back out and return it to the oven for the remaining time.
Adding the Dates
Once the granola is golden brown and deliciously fragrant, remove the tray from the oven. While it’s still warm (but not hot), gently stir in the chopped dates. Adding them at this stage keeps them soft and chewy instead of hard or burnt, which could happen if they were baked with the rest of the mix.
Cooling and Storing
Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 to 10 minutes. As it cools, it will get even crispier. Try not to sneak too many bites it’s hard, I know! Once it’s completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy for days.
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Maple Date Granola – Sweet, Crunchy, and Totally Delicious!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes35
minutes45
minutesIngredients
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup dates, chopped & pitted
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans (your choice!)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Directions
- Preheat that oven! Set it to 350°F (that’s the perfect granola-crisping temperature).
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add your vanilla extract, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Warm it in the microwave until the oil melts completely – about 30–40 seconds. Stir it up!
- Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your rolled oats, chopped nuts, and cinnamon powder. Give it a good mix.
- Now pour the warm maple-oil-vanilla mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated and smelling amazing.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out your granola mix nice and even.
- Bake for 35 minutes, stirring the granola around at the 20-minute mark to keep it from burning and to get that perfect crunch!
- Once it’s golden and crispy, take it out and mix in the chopped dates while it’s still warm.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes (if you can wait that long!), then dig in!
Notes
- Be sure to stir the granola halfway through baking this helps it cook evenly and not burn.
- Don’t add the dates before baking they can get too hard or burnt in the oven. Always mix them in after baking.
- Let the granola cool before storing it this keeps it crunchy, not soggy.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats they hold their shape and make for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle on top of yogurt with fresh berries
- Add to a smoothie bowl for extra crunch
- Eat by the handful as a healthy snack
- Mix into milk or non-dairy milk like a cereal
- Top your ice cream with it (yes, it’s that good!)
Fun Fact
Did you know? Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world! They’re super sweet, full of fiber, and a natural energy booster. No wonder they’re the star in this granola!
Conclusion
There you have it Maple Date Granola that’s crunchy, sweet, and full of flavor! It’s perfect for busy mornings or anytime snacking. I love how easy it is to make, and how I always have the ingredients right in my pantry.
